We live in an era where presentations can make or break your career. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a corporate employee, an educator, or a student, effective presentations play a key role in helping you get ahead.
But what is the secret to a flawless presentation, the one where every single thing just seems perfect- the lights turn on at the right time, the mic volume is perfect, slides and delivery sync right with each other, and the presenter is confident? Well, the secret is that successful presentations work on checklists, where each task is written and crossed off as it is completed.
In this article, we will understand more about the presentation checklist. Let’s start!
What is a Presentation Checklist?
Have you ever been to the grocery store and forgotten to bring an item on your way back? Well, that has happened to most of us, but not when we have a list of things to buy. With a proper list, we never forget anything and wrap up the trip in less time. Similarly, when you deliver a presentation without a checklist, your chances of messing up are much higher. Thus, a checklist is a list of all the tasks that need to be done before the event, including all the small and big tasks.
Reasons Why You Need a Checklist
1. Ensures Timely Arrangements
A checklist ensures all things are arranged in advance. It includes all elements such as the venue, bookings, audience, equipment, etc. By breaking each task into smaller segments, you can ensure everything gets done right on time and all things are arranged before your big day.
2. Avoids Missing Any Important Tasks
If you go without a checklist, you might get your content ready but forget to prepare your placards, or even worse, miss out on checking the technical aspects. Therefore, a checklist enables you to list all important tasks, making sure you do not miss out on anything that needs attention.
3. Improves Resource Efficiency
Consider you forgot to check your visuals. Right before the presentation, you call your graphic designer, ask them to run a quick check through the slides, and pay them extra for this additional work. What a waste of time and resources would it be, wouldn’t it? Now, if you have the checklist, you can do this beforehand and improve your efficiency and resources.
4. Creates Space to Calm Down
When you know that everything is aligned and in place, your mind and body remain calm. It is extremely vital to deliver a strong and impactful presentation. Whereas, if you are constantly worried about the little things on stage, such as whether your audience is being given the right handouts or not, will the mic function properly, and other petty things, you won’t be able to deliver effectively.
Things You Need to Check Before Going on Stage
1. Content and Delivery
- Slide Information: Do not overload your slides with excess data- make it clear, logically structured, and well-organized to captivate your audience and increase retention.
- Content Flow: Ensure your content is rock solid. Recheck the data, include all necessary information, and evaluate if you need to add or remove some paragraphs.
- Key Takeaways: Make sure you remember the key takeaway points that you want the audience to remember.
- Introduction and Conclusion: Prepare a strong introduction and conclusion, as these will be the most groundbreaking moments in your entire presentation.
- Delivery: Remember to perfect your delivery. Manage your tone, voice, and even your pitch.
- Audience Engagement: Jot down ways to interact with the audience. Sort some questions that you can ask to foster conversations and think of icebreaker ideas.
- Body Language: Ensure that your tone, gestures, posture, body language, and even small elements, such as how you communicate with the audience, are all in alignment.
- Managing Nerves: Manage your nerves with breathing techniques and mindful practices.
2. Slides and Visuals
- Slides: Ensure that your slides complement your words and align seamlessly. Verify that they are clean, minimal, and accessible to even those sitting at the back.
- Inclusivity: If you are presenting to cross-cultural audiences, ensure inclusivity in terms of language and translations.
- Visuals: Do a final check on the annotations, data for graphs and charts, headings, and even alignment.
- Animations: Ensure that the visuals and slides have smooth animations. They should not hurt the audience’s eyes.
- Embeds: If there are external links, verify whether they are properly embedded or not. They should open seamlessly without any lag or delays.
3. Technical Preparation
- Power Backups: Carry extra devices, a charger, and a power bank to combat any power failure or outage.
- Mic and Audio: Carry your own microphone, if you have one, and charge it beforehand. Test it multiple times before the big day.
- Device Compatibility: Download your presentation in multiple formats, such as PDF and PPTX, to ensure your format is compatible with the device.
- Clicker or Remote: If you need a remote, keep it in your checklist. You can ask the venue for the same or carry your own.
- Projector and Screen: Ensure the projector works well and your slides are in the correct ratio as per the screen size.
4. Grooming and Attire
- Grooming: Ensure you are well-groomed. Check your nails, breath, hair, and general hygiene. If you are using a microphone, avoid dangly earrings or noisy jewelry. Wear shoes you can comfortably stand and walk in for a long period.
- Attire/Outfit: Ensure that your dress goes well with the type of presentation and audience- if it is a formal gathering, consider wearing a blazer or something that looks professional.
5. Materials and Handouts
- Print Your Materials: Check your materials and print them a day or two prior. Make sure the information written on them is right and well-organized.
- Product Demonstrations: If your presentation includes a demonstration, make sure that your product or equipment is ready.
6. Placards
- Prepare Placards: Check if your placards are well-written, organized, and structured. Take some time to go through them and familiarize yourself with the flow.
7. Venue and Management
- Arrive Early: Arrive before time at the venue and get a hang of the stage, where the audience will sit, and do a mock trial of your presentation.
- Lighting and Audio: Familiarize yourself with the lighting and check the audio system. Evaluate if you need a microphone, a hand mic, or a podium.
- Coordination with Groundstaff: Coordinate with the ground team to know your stage timings and queue.
- Introductory Person: Know the person who is introducing you. Also, ensure he provides correct details about your achievements, designation, and more.
Things You Need to Check After the Presentation
(i). Availability as a Speaker
- Ensure Availability: Make sure that you are readily available to your audience after the session for questions, queries, and discussions.
(ii). Feedback
- Feedback Forms: Ensure that you circulate feedback forms after the presentation to the audience and gather their reviews for the same.
(iii). Call to Action and Follow-Up
- Follow-Up: Make it a point to follow up with the audience after your presentation. It can be through emails, WhatsApp messages, or community groups.
Conclusion
Having a presentation checklist is a smart way to avoid loopholes and failure. Consider it a must-have safety net, something that will keep you safe, even when all things seem to fall apart on stage. We hope this article helps you create your perfect presentation list.
